VOCAB:
insipid (203): lacking interest, significance, or impact
serendipity (240): good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "...and my head swathed with white gauze and adhesive like the head of a mummy..." (237). This is an example of a simile. On the ride home from a trip to the emergency room because of a disasterous biking accident, Nikki compares her bandages to the wrappings of a mummy.
2. "The dream shimmering around us careened in and out of focus. I'd been hearing words but couldn't seem to process them" (202). This is an example of figurative language because Nikki and Detective Strabane are not literally in a dream-it only feels that way to Nikki because she is so shocked and upset about what she is hearing. Because of this shock, she feels like she cannot comprehend what Strabane is saying, which makes her feel like she's in a dream.
3. "This was the season, people said, that Nikki Eaton broke into pieces. To me, it felt like the season I put myself together, stronger than I'd been" (212). This is another example of figurative language because people obviously do not actually break into pieces. People said this about Nikki because her grief after her mom's death affected her and changed her so much--her life fell apart.
QUOTE:
"If they tease me, if they laugh at me they love me. For I am only just Gwen, to be teased" (239). This quote is one of many in the book that are written as if they are in the first person from Gwen Eaton. However, the comments are written as Nikki imagines her mother's thoughts, so they aren't actually in the first person from Gwen. Here, Nikki reflects on her mother's role as the one to be teased. As she thinks back, she realizes that teasing her all the time may have lowered her mom's self-esteem more than she thought.
THEME:
The theme of the novel remains to be the struggles of dealing with the death of a loved one. It especially focused on how hard it is to watch the rest of the world move on when the people who suffered the loss are still grieving.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Quarter 3: Week 5, Post B
"why Mom? why Mom? why did you Mom? tell us why Mom? why are you not to blame Mom? because you are to blame! you are! YOU ARE TO BLAME! no one but you Mom! you brought him here! you trusted him! how can we forgive you? Mom, why? WHY MOM? WHY MOM? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?..." (207).
This quote comes from Nikki about a month after her mother's murder. It's interesting to see her go through different stages of the grieving process. In this stage, she is clearly turning the blame for what happened on her mother. Even though Nikki knows deep down that her mother was not to blame for her own murder, she has to take her frustrations out somehow. So, she blames the easiest target: her mother. Her anger at Ward Lynch coupled with her regret that she couldn't prevent her mom's death boil up inside her and she eventually explodes. In this stage her sadness is overshadowed by her anger and frustration. Nikki's reactions to these feelings were intriguing in their intensity and ferocity. An entire page is devoted to expressing this anger, filled with "WHY?"'s. This is the most frustrating question for Nikki as she wonders why this terrible thing has happened to her, why she was the one to find her mother's body, and countless other "what if" questions. I hope Nikki can work through her anger at her mother and redirect it towards the true holder of the blame: Ward Lynch. I think she will only be able to pull herself together after she realizes that neither she nor her mother were to blame for the tragedy.
Quarter 3: Week 5, Post A
VOCAB:
belligerent (144): of warlike character, aggressively hostile
effusive (163): lacking reserve, pouring out, overflowing
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "Her mouth was a moist red wound" (163). This is an example of a metaphor. Clare's mouth is directly compared to a wound because of their redness and shape.
2. "I saw that Clare was glaring at me with hot acid eyes" (173). This is another example of figurative language in the book. Obviously Clare's eyes are not actually hot or made of acid, but this comparison shows the extreme anger Clare is feeling.
3. "Smoky glanced up nervously hearing the D.J.'s familiar voice: low throaty sexy as an alto saxophone" (190). This is an example of a simile in the novel. Nikki compares Wally's D.J. voice to the sounds of a soulful saxophone.
QUOTE:
"In the Saab, Clare began crying. I had never heard my sister cry so helplessly. She was saying she couldn't make it without Mom. She was saying she didn't love anyone anymore. It was too much effort, she wasn't strong enough" (186). This quote demonstrates a more vulnerable side of Clare that the reader has not gotten to see thus far in the novel. Clare is thought to be the responsible, "put together" one of the two sisters, but here we are shown how insecure and unhappy she truly is. In this rare moment of grief and anger, we learn that Clare is just as shocked and unsure as Nikki in this situation, even if she doesn't always show it.
THEME:
The theme of the novel continues to be the grieving process. Also, it seems to be focusing more on relationships: Clare and Nikki's sisterly relationship, the girls' relationships with their parents, Clare's relationship with Rob, and Nikki's relationship with Wally Szalla.
belligerent (144): of warlike character, aggressively hostile
effusive (163): lacking reserve, pouring out, overflowing
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "Her mouth was a moist red wound" (163). This is an example of a metaphor. Clare's mouth is directly compared to a wound because of their redness and shape.
2. "I saw that Clare was glaring at me with hot acid eyes" (173). This is another example of figurative language in the book. Obviously Clare's eyes are not actually hot or made of acid, but this comparison shows the extreme anger Clare is feeling.
3. "Smoky glanced up nervously hearing the D.J.'s familiar voice: low throaty sexy as an alto saxophone" (190). This is an example of a simile in the novel. Nikki compares Wally's D.J. voice to the sounds of a soulful saxophone.
QUOTE:
"In the Saab, Clare began crying. I had never heard my sister cry so helplessly. She was saying she couldn't make it without Mom. She was saying she didn't love anyone anymore. It was too much effort, she wasn't strong enough" (186). This quote demonstrates a more vulnerable side of Clare that the reader has not gotten to see thus far in the novel. Clare is thought to be the responsible, "put together" one of the two sisters, but here we are shown how insecure and unhappy she truly is. In this rare moment of grief and anger, we learn that Clare is just as shocked and unsure as Nikki in this situation, even if she doesn't always show it.
THEME:
The theme of the novel continues to be the grieving process. Also, it seems to be focusing more on relationships: Clare and Nikki's sisterly relationship, the girls' relationships with their parents, Clare's relationship with Rob, and Nikki's relationship with Wally Szalla.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Quarter 3: Week 4, Post B
Dear Joyce Carol Oates,
Well I must say, so far this book has been a little depressing. First, Nikki's mother is brutally murdered and Nikki is the one to find her. Obviously this is very disturbing and traumatic for Nikki and she struggles to deal with her shock and grief. While she is working through this tragedy, her relationship with her sister suffers. They argue constantly and can't agree on anything. Instead of drawing together to help each other through such a rough time, they grow apart and shut each other out. Finally, and through all of this, Nikki must face more ups and downs regarding her rollercoaster of a relationship with Wally Szcalla. She and her on again-off again lover, who just so happens to be married with two children, are going through a "rough patch".
With all of this on her plate, Nikki definitely does not seem to be in a good place in her life. It will certainly be interesting to see how she works through her grief for her mother, while dealing with her sister and Wally. I feel so horrible for her--the only consolation is that things can only go up from here. Hopefully this happens sooner rather than later!
I do have some questions about your book too. For instance, does Smokey, Gwen's old cat, have any special significance? Nikki seems very attached to him, but I'm not sure why. Also, why does Nikki continue to let Wally back into her life after he's hurt her time and time again? It's painful to watch her in this self-destructive cycle--will it ever end? For her sake, I hope so!
I can't wait to keep reading!
Sincerely,
A-Rod
Well I must say, so far this book has been a little depressing. First, Nikki's mother is brutally murdered and Nikki is the one to find her. Obviously this is very disturbing and traumatic for Nikki and she struggles to deal with her shock and grief. While she is working through this tragedy, her relationship with her sister suffers. They argue constantly and can't agree on anything. Instead of drawing together to help each other through such a rough time, they grow apart and shut each other out. Finally, and through all of this, Nikki must face more ups and downs regarding her rollercoaster of a relationship with Wally Szcalla. She and her on again-off again lover, who just so happens to be married with two children, are going through a "rough patch".
With all of this on her plate, Nikki definitely does not seem to be in a good place in her life. It will certainly be interesting to see how she works through her grief for her mother, while dealing with her sister and Wally. I feel so horrible for her--the only consolation is that things can only go up from here. Hopefully this happens sooner rather than later!
I do have some questions about your book too. For instance, does Smokey, Gwen's old cat, have any special significance? Nikki seems very attached to him, but I'm not sure why. Also, why does Nikki continue to let Wally back into her life after he's hurt her time and time again? It's painful to watch her in this self-destructive cycle--will it ever end? For her sake, I hope so!
I can't wait to keep reading!
Sincerely,
A-Rod
Quarter 3: Week 4, Post A
VOCAB:
surreptitious (129): acting with or marked by stealth
sallow (126): of a sickly, yellowish color
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "He was purring loudly, like a noisy air conditioner" (135). This is an example of a simile in the book. Nikki compares the loud howling of her Mom's old cat, Smokey, to the annoying sounds of an air conditioner.
2. "For I was falling, breaking into pieces" (131). This is figurative language because Nikki is not literally falling or breaking into pieces. She uses these images to describe how broken-heartened and full of grief she is feeling after her mother's murder.
3. "...I felt a sensation like a knife going in, through my ribs--not a sharp knife but something crude and dull" (130). This is another example of a simile. After Wally tells Nikki that he is going back to his wife, she compares her hurt feelings to the feeling of a knife cutting through her gut.
QUOTE:
"I'd prepared myself for today but it seemed we were going to begin on Monday. Clare was one to change your mind for you without your consent and then to chide you for it.
'Monday you'll be prepared Nikki? Promise.'
'Maybe six? I'll try to get here by six.'
'Six! That's impossible for me.'
'But--'
'Nikki, I have a family. I have responsibilities'" (139).
I think this quote shows the high tensions in the relationship between Nikki and Clare as they both struggle to deal with their mother's death. Even the smallest thing can set them off into argument--for example, as they arrange to clean out their mother's house. Clearly, the stress of this tragic loss is getting to both of them.
THEME:
I think the theme is still centered around dealing with grief, with a strong focus on the regrets and "would've, should've, could've" feelings that one experiences after losing a loved one.
surreptitious (129): acting with or marked by stealth
sallow (126): of a sickly, yellowish color
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "He was purring loudly, like a noisy air conditioner" (135). This is an example of a simile in the book. Nikki compares the loud howling of her Mom's old cat, Smokey, to the annoying sounds of an air conditioner.
2. "For I was falling, breaking into pieces" (131). This is figurative language because Nikki is not literally falling or breaking into pieces. She uses these images to describe how broken-heartened and full of grief she is feeling after her mother's murder.
3. "...I felt a sensation like a knife going in, through my ribs--not a sharp knife but something crude and dull" (130). This is another example of a simile. After Wally tells Nikki that he is going back to his wife, she compares her hurt feelings to the feeling of a knife cutting through her gut.
QUOTE:
"I'd prepared myself for today but it seemed we were going to begin on Monday. Clare was one to change your mind for you without your consent and then to chide you for it.
'Monday you'll be prepared Nikki? Promise.'
'Maybe six? I'll try to get here by six.'
'Six! That's impossible for me.'
'But--'
'Nikki, I have a family. I have responsibilities'" (139).
I think this quote shows the high tensions in the relationship between Nikki and Clare as they both struggle to deal with their mother's death. Even the smallest thing can set them off into argument--for example, as they arrange to clean out their mother's house. Clearly, the stress of this tragic loss is getting to both of them.
THEME:
I think the theme is still centered around dealing with grief, with a strong focus on the regrets and "would've, should've, could've" feelings that one experiences after losing a loved one.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Quarter 3: Week 3, Post B
How is she doing this?
That could pretty much sum up my feelings as I was reading these past few chapters. Nikki's descriptions of her mother's murder and what she looked like when she found her dead were horrifying. I can't imagine what I would do if it were me in a situation like that. To be honest, I don't know if I would be strong enough to survive something like that. However, I wouldn't know, because I have never experienced death first hand.
I've only been to two funerals in my life-time, and neither of them were for people I was very close to. I was sad, sure, but it was nothing like the kind of grief one must experience when dealing with the death, or in this case murder, of a parent or even a close friend. I do know people, some even my own age or younger, who have had to deal with that kind of situation, and I honestly don't know how they do it. But the closest I've come to knowing death is through my mother. When she was 26, her younger brother died in a plane crash. He was a marine, and he was test-flying a plane over the Atlantic when another plane malfunctioned and crashed into his. She doesn't talk about it too much, but I know how much pain it caused her, how much pain it caused her own family. I know that it was the hardest time of her life. I know that my grandma still barely gets through Thanksgiving grace without breaking down.
It's terribly sad. And yet, it's still so very far removed from me and my life. I'm not the one who misses him or can still occasionally hear his voice--that's my mom. So, really, I've never had any first-hand experience with death. I know I will, some time in the very distant future hopefully, but as of yet it's hard to relate to Nikki's feelings. Beyond knowing that she's sad, I have no idea what she's feeling in this situation. I have no idea the kind of horror she has gone through. And that, I guess, is what makes me want to say "How is she doing this??"
That could pretty much sum up my feelings as I was reading these past few chapters. Nikki's descriptions of her mother's murder and what she looked like when she found her dead were horrifying. I can't imagine what I would do if it were me in a situation like that. To be honest, I don't know if I would be strong enough to survive something like that. However, I wouldn't know, because I have never experienced death first hand.
I've only been to two funerals in my life-time, and neither of them were for people I was very close to. I was sad, sure, but it was nothing like the kind of grief one must experience when dealing with the death, or in this case murder, of a parent or even a close friend. I do know people, some even my own age or younger, who have had to deal with that kind of situation, and I honestly don't know how they do it. But the closest I've come to knowing death is through my mother. When she was 26, her younger brother died in a plane crash. He was a marine, and he was test-flying a plane over the Atlantic when another plane malfunctioned and crashed into his. She doesn't talk about it too much, but I know how much pain it caused her, how much pain it caused her own family. I know that it was the hardest time of her life. I know that my grandma still barely gets through Thanksgiving grace without breaking down.
It's terribly sad. And yet, it's still so very far removed from me and my life. I'm not the one who misses him or can still occasionally hear his voice--that's my mom. So, really, I've never had any first-hand experience with death. I know I will, some time in the very distant future hopefully, but as of yet it's hard to relate to Nikki's feelings. Beyond knowing that she's sad, I have no idea what she's feeling in this situation. I have no idea the kind of horror she has gone through. And that, I guess, is what makes me want to say "How is she doing this??"
Quarter 3: Week 3, Post A
VOCAB:
scimitars (75): Curved Asian swords with the edges on the convex sides
querulously (51): in a peevish or complaining manner
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "Gripping each other's hands, awkward as a three-legged race, we approached Mom's coffin" (91). This is an example of a simile. Since Clare and Nikki aren't very close, it's very awkward for them to hold hands. The author compares their awkwardness to that of two people competing in a three-legged race.
2. "...the sun had become a broken, bleeding red yolk" (61). This is an example of a metaphor in the story. As dusk begins to fall on the night of her mother's murder, Nikki describes the sun as it sinks in the sky. She compares it to the yolk of an egg. She is feeling broken and bleeding herself, which explains why she uses these words.
3. "Later, we embraced. Like drowning women clutching helplessly at each other" (63). This is another example of figurative language in the novel. Nikki describes a hug with her sister in the aftermath of their mother's murder. Using a simile, she compares their desperate grief to that of people who are drowning.
QUOTE:
" Clare had begun to cry, bitterly. Yet not hiding her face as you'd expect, just sitting rigid and furious, fists clenched at her sides. I knew that I was expected to cry with my sister, to hug her tight, but my arms were like lead, my legs were like lead, I hadn't the strength to turn to her, couldn't move an inch. She might have been on the far side of the room" (82). This quote shows the shock Nikki feels in the aftermath of discovering her mother's body. Her sister is able to grieve, to cry, but Nikki can't. I think this shows that the situation is different for Nikki since she was the one to discover her mom's broken and bruised body, to see their house torn apart, and to call the police.
THEME:
The theme seems to be focusing more now on the struggles of dealing with grief in the aftermath of the death of a loved one.
scimitars (75): Curved Asian swords with the edges on the convex sides
querulously (51): in a peevish or complaining manner
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
1. "Gripping each other's hands, awkward as a three-legged race, we approached Mom's coffin" (91). This is an example of a simile. Since Clare and Nikki aren't very close, it's very awkward for them to hold hands. The author compares their awkwardness to that of two people competing in a three-legged race.
2. "...the sun had become a broken, bleeding red yolk" (61). This is an example of a metaphor in the story. As dusk begins to fall on the night of her mother's murder, Nikki describes the sun as it sinks in the sky. She compares it to the yolk of an egg. She is feeling broken and bleeding herself, which explains why she uses these words.
3. "Later, we embraced. Like drowning women clutching helplessly at each other" (63). This is another example of figurative language in the novel. Nikki describes a hug with her sister in the aftermath of their mother's murder. Using a simile, she compares their desperate grief to that of people who are drowning.
QUOTE:
" Clare had begun to cry, bitterly. Yet not hiding her face as you'd expect, just sitting rigid and furious, fists clenched at her sides. I knew that I was expected to cry with my sister, to hug her tight, but my arms were like lead, my legs were like lead, I hadn't the strength to turn to her, couldn't move an inch. She might have been on the far side of the room" (82). This quote shows the shock Nikki feels in the aftermath of discovering her mother's body. Her sister is able to grieve, to cry, but Nikki can't. I think this shows that the situation is different for Nikki since she was the one to discover her mom's broken and bruised body, to see their house torn apart, and to call the police.
THEME:
The theme seems to be focusing more now on the struggles of dealing with grief in the aftermath of the death of a loved one.
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